1. Edgar Allan Poe Meet the father of the modern horror story
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Edgar Allan Poe
Born January 19, 1809
Died October 7, 1849
Accomplishments: One of the most influential American writers of the 19th century, father of the modern horror story and mystery novel; wrote works of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction
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Childhood
Poe was the child of two traveling actors in Boston. His father left, and his mother died when Poe was three. Poe was separated from his brother and sister and adopted by John and Frances Allan of Richmond, Virginia
John Allan was a tobacco merchant and wanted Edgar to follow in his steps and become a businessman. However, the poetry of Lord Bryon pulled Poe in another different direction.
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College
John sent Edgar to the University of Virginia with approximately one-third of the money he needed to support himself.
In an attempt to make more money, Poe took up gambling.
He reached such a state of desperation that he burned his furniture for warmth.
Ultimately, he was forced to drop out of the University of Virginia.
When he returned home, more heartache awaited him. He discovered his fiancé, Elmira Royster, was engaged to another man.
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Success and Set-backs
Poe published his first poem, “Tamerlane,” at the age of eighteen.
Around this time, he also enlisted in the Army.
He entered West Point Academy, but he only lasted eight months before being expelled.
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6. A New Start in Baltimore
After leaving West Point, Poe went to Baltimore, where he had some relatives.
His aunt let him stay with her, where he met his future wife, Virginia Clemm.
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7. The Beginning of a Writing Career
Poe wrote short stories, one of which won a contest through a publication called the Saturday Visitor.
This paved the way for the publication of other short stories and led to Poe acquiring an editorial position at The Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond.
Poe wrote stories and harsh critiques of literature for the magazine, which became the most popular magazine in the south within a year of Poe’s hiring.
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8. Married Life and Growing Fame
Poe married Virginia when he was twenty-seven.
The couple had a happy marriage, despite money always being tight.
Poe and Virginia moved to Philadelphia, where he continued to write for magazines.
Despite his growing fame, the couple could hardly make ends meet.
In January 1845 the publication of “The Raven” sealed Poe’s fame and made him into a household name
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9. The Beginning of the End
In January 1845 the publication of “The Raven” sealed Poe’s fame and made him into a household name
At this point the couple lived in NYC and Poe’s lectures would draw large crowds.
He published two books, began demanding better pay for his work, and briefly owned his own magazine.
The business pursuit failed, and Virginia’s health was declining, leading the couple to move again.
In 1846, at the age of twenty-four, Virginia died of tuberculosis.
For months after her death, Poe was so heartbroken that he was unable to write. Critics speculated that he would soon be dead, and they were correct.
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The End
In 1849, while visiting Baltimore, he was found sick, delirious, and said to be wearing clothing that was not his own.
His dying words were “Lord, help my poor soul.”
There are numerous theories regarding his death including complications from rabies, diabetes, carbon monoxide poisoning.
Rufus Griswold, a writer once harshly criticized by Poe, wrote an obituary on Poe and later a biography, both of which portrayed him as an ill person. It was speculated that he was using this writing to carry out revenge. His words had a lasting impact on the public perception of Poe.
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Interesting Facts
Room number at University of Virginia: 13
Number of homes he had before enlisting in the army: 13
Age of his wife, Virginia, when they married…
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The Poe Toaster
Every year on Poe’s birthday since 1949, a mysterious visitor would go to Poe’s tomb and leave half a bottle of cognac and three red roses.
A note was once left that implied the original Poe Toaster passed away. It said, “The torch shall be passed.”
More recently the Poe Toaster wrote, “Edgar, I have not forgotten you.”
Sadly, in 2009, on Poe’s 200th birthday, the Poe Toaster stopped coming.
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Poe Today
First edition of his first publication written in 1827, was found in a used bookstore for $15 and was resold for $200,000.
Poe has been referenced on The Simpsons at least six times.
Poe’s image and words have been used to sell bubblegum, life insurance, and pickles.
Poe’s former hometown of Baltimore honored Poe by naming their NFL team after his notable poem, “The Raven”.
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More of Poe Today
Boston, birthplace of Poe, has recently put up this sculpture of Poe, called Poe Returning to Boston, to honor the author.
In 2012 the design was selected from among 265 proposals.
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Written Response
What are three facts you learned about Edgar Allan Poe?
What is one question you have?
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References
“Edgar Allan Poe." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 27 Oct Web. 15 Mar
“Poe's Biography | Edgar Allan Poe Museum." Poe's Biography | Edgar Allan Poe Museum. Web. 15 Mar
Chandler, Adam. "The Mysterious 'Poe Toaster' Did Not Surface for Edgar Allan Poe's 205th Birthday." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 19 Jan Web. 15 Mar
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